Rosenthal: Burrell For Sabathia?

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes about the Indians need for a slugger and trade possibilities involving ace CC Sabathia in his latest column. He throws a couple options out there, including Pat Burrell. He writes:

“[Adam] Dunn, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Mark Teixeira â€” any of those potential free agents would lift the Indians’ sagging offense. Teixeira, the only plus defender, is by far the most appealing. Then again, as badly as the Tribe is going, a little creativity might be required.”

He continues, saying Burrell wouldn’t be a great fit for the Indians because they would need a right fielder, but their current left fielder is former-Phillie David Dellucci, who is hitting a light .227 with 5 HR and 16 RBI. Burrell would clearly be an upgrade.

Sabathia is in the final year of his contract, and will demand a lot of dough and a long-term deal after the season. Burrell, of course, is in his contract year and would demand probably $40M to $50M over a couple years.

Quite honestly, it would be a fair move for the Phillies. While Burrell has been outstanding so far, and gives the Phils necessary right-handed production, they could play the year with Jayson Werth in left field and get maybe 70 percent of Burrell’s production. Then again, they could get more.

Would the Indians give up Sabathia? There’s no indication they’d re-sign him past 2008, so it’s possible Cleveland would rid him for the offense they desperately need. Currently they have a stacked pitching staff, especially with the way Cliff Lee is throwing.

Sabathia would solve the Phils rotation troubles and would be an easy loaner. They wouldn’t have to commit to him beyond 2008; if they want to, they’d have a dynamite 1-2 punch for many years. But who else would the Phils give up with Burrell? Ryan Madson may not be enough. Throw in a prospect like Antonio Bastardo? Very intriguing â€” I would not rule out discussions between the Phils and Indians.